Ifs-r (integrated flip-up sight-rear) system, ar-15/10 and m16/m4 variants and others

ABSTRACT

A firearm sight system is provided having a mounting rail with an upper surface. The mounting rail defines a pocket below the upper surface. A sight arm is pivotally connected to the rail and movable between an elevated position angularly offset from the upper surface of the rail and a stowed position in which the sight arm occupies the pocket and does not protrude above the upper surface of the rail.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/619,855 filed on Jan. 21, 2018, entitled “IFS-R(Integrated Flip-Up Sight-Rear) System, AR-15/10 and M16/M4 Variant andOthers”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety forall that is taught and disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated flip-up sight-rearsystem, and more particularly, to AR-15/10 and M16/M4 variants andothers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The modern AR-15 style rifle platform is primarily comprised of MIL-SPEC(Military Specification) components originally derived from theM16A1/A2, M4A1 and M16A4 variants. Platforms include semi-automatic,burst and full-automatic fire control versions, as well as a multitudeof caliber configurations. Most modern AR-15 components have retainedeither MIL-SPEC adherence and/or a close resemblance to the original1956 Eugene Stoner and L. James Sullivan Armalite AR-15 design. AllM16A1/A2, M4A1 and M16A4 variants retain absolute adherence to MIL-SPECrequirements, as these platforms are intended for applications instandardized military service.

The MIL-SPEC design utilizes an integrated Rear Sight, commonly referredto as an “Iron Sight” (see FIG. 1). Although the M4 variant is anexception, as it provides a Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) for themounting of its sight/optical aid (see FIG. 2). This type ofconfiguration is commonly referred to as “Optic Ready”, inferring that asight or optical device must first be installed on the firearm foraccurate target acquisition. With the advent of the M4 configuration andfurther popularization of Upper Receiver designs without an integratedrear sight, a typical approach to provide sighting capabilities followedsuit with the M4 application by utilizing Picatinny rail-mounted devices(see FIG. 3). Consequently, there are now a multitude of sight/opticalaid devices available; several of which mimic the original carryinghandle with integrated sight style (see FIG. 4).

The most common and relatively economical solution to an Optic Readyfirearm is the flip-up style sight (see FIG. 5). However, this design israther impractical, as it often requires the use of a special tool, suchas a hex driver, screw driver, Torx® driver, etc., to mount, adjust oruninstall on the Picatinny rail. Furthermore, many of these devices arecaptivated to the Picatinny rail by a single fastener, screw or bolt,and are consequently susceptible to loosening during use and thesubsequent loss of sight calibration or zero; thus, creating the addedburden of always having to carry a special tool for this purpose, whichcould prove to be especially burdensome in a tactical environment.

Moreover, the deviation of reliance upon Iron Sights to an electronicoptical device, which can illuminate reticles, provide electronicmagnification and/or thermal imaging, tends to produce an undesireddependence, thus effecting a considerable tactical disadvantage as theseoptics require a constant, replenishing source of power (i.e. batteries,power cells, etc.). However, once a source of power is no longer readilyavailable, the device would be rendered inoperable, causing conditionsto rapidly deteriorate.

Additionally, while many configurations of the flip-up type utilize alocking mechanism, which must be pressed or released to permit folding,they are typically not impact resistant once positioned into the flip-uporientation, making them susceptible to strike or impact damage.

Another problematic condition of flip-up style sights is a deviationfrom the original MIL-SPEC sight centerline to the bore centerline. Asmost rear flip-up style sights do not provide elevation adjustment orcompensation, this condition can exceed the vertical adjustment travel(+/−) of the front sight post. As such, optics that are installedbetween flip-up sights can further compound this condition when originalMIL-SPEC centerlines are not maintained (see FIG. 6).

The limitations of the prior art are addressed by providing a firearmsight system having a mounting rail with an upper surface. The mountingrail defines a pocket below the upper surface. A sight arm is pivotallyconnected to the rail and movable between an elevated position angularlyoffset from the upper surface of the rail and a stowed position in whichthe sight arm occupies the pocket and does not protrude above the uppersurface of the rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a MIL-SPEC Integrated Rear Sight with Lower Receiver andBarrel Assembly removed for clarity.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an Upper Receiver with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail.

FIG. 3A to 3D show examples of Picatinny Rail-Mounted Sight/Optical AidDevices.

FIG. 4 shows a Picatinny Rail-Mounted Carrying Handle with Iron Sight.

FIG. 5 shows a Flip-Up Style Sight Mounted on Upper Receiver PicatinnyRail.

FIG. 6 illustrates Centerline Deviations.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an IFS-R Upper Receiver Assembly.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the IFS-R Folded into Upper Receiver.

FIG. 9 illustrates IFS-R Major Components.

FIG. 10 illustrates a Rear Sight Assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates a Spring Block Assembly.

FIG. 12 shows a Traverse Screw Adjustment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of Positional Points on Traverse Screw.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a rear sight Ghost Ring and Front SightPost.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate Aperture Sizes.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate Magnetic Inserts.

FIG. 17 is a Plain View-Top-Sight Down.

FIG. 18 is a Plain View-Top-Sight Up.

FIG. 19 is a Side Sectional View, Mid-Plane-Sight Down.

FIG. 20 is a Side Sectional View, Mid-Plane-Sight Up.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

The IFS-R (INTEGRATED FLIP-UP SIGHT-REAR) SYSTEM provides increasedfunctionality to the Optic Ready-style Upper Receiver with a built-in,adjustable, flip-up rear sight (see FIG. 7). The top rear section of theUpper Receiver is machined with a profiled pocket in which the rearsight is designed to fold down within the Picatinny rail when not in use(see FIG. 8).

The IFS-R is comprised of the following major components (see FIG. 9):

-   -   IFS-R Upper Receiver    -   Rear Sight Assembly (see FIG. 10)    -   Spring Block Assembly

The folding and unfolding of the IFS-R is guided and supported by twospring-loaded ball bearing detents within the Spring Block Assembly (seeFIG. 11). These detents orientate/lock the sight in the upright positionand hold the device down in the folded position. Sight travel is limitedto 90 degrees on the Pivot Pin axis by inherent design. Thespring-loaded captivation of the IFS-R also serves to mitigate impact orstrike upon the device by simply folding to prevent sight damage.

Traverse adjustment of the IFS-R is performed by clockwise orcounterclockwise rotation of the Traverse Screw, resulting in left orright movement of the Rear Sight Post (see FIG. 12). Screw rotationalsetting is maintained by 16 individual positional points around thescrew axis (see FIG. 13). A spring-loaded Ball Bearing assembled withinthe Rear Sight Post Base engages the appropriate positional point on theTraverse Screw as it is rotated during sight adjustment. This functionalso serves to provide constant spring pressure upon the Traverse Screwto ensure sight setting integrity upon strike or impact. Under springprotection, the body of the Traverse Screw can be used to elevate theIFS-R into the upright position. Folding of the IFS-R is simplyperformed by rotating the device rearward upon the Pivot Pin axis.

A Rear Sight Aperture is assembled into the Rear Sight Post, providing atypical ghost ring, center-hold sight picture (see FIG. 14). Twoaperture sizes are provided in accordance with MIL-SPEC standards (seeFIG. 15):

-   -   Long-range, >300 meters (small hole)    -   Short-range, <300 meters (large hole)

Aperture selection is made by rotating the Rear Sight Aperture about thepivot axis. Milled steps are provided on each side of the Rear SightPost to aid in lifting the aperture from either available position. Theshort-range ghost ring is by default integrated into the Rear SightPost. As the Rear Sight Aperture is orientated within the Rear SightPost it is automatically captivated by magnetic force. Two MagneticInserts are assembled into the Rear Sight Post to generate said force(see FIG. 16). To select the long-range aperture, simply rotate the RearSight Aperture into the upright position. To select the short-rangeaperture, likewise, rotate the Rear Sight Aperture into the downwardposition.

This application is applicable to additional firearm platforms andshould not be construed as limited to AR15/10 and/or M16/M4 platformsalone.

I claim:
 1. A firearm sight system comprising: a mounting rail having anupper surface; the mounting rail defining a pocket below the uppersurface; a sight arm pivotally connected to the rail and movable betweenan elevated position angularly offset from the upper surface of the railand a stowed position in which the sight arm occupies the pocket anddoes not protrude above the upper surface of the rail.